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V 



THE 



LESSON OF LIFE; 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW'S DREAM. 



GEORGE MALLEEY. 





NEW YORK : 
PRINTED BY BILLIN AND BROTHER, 

20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 



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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, 

Bt George Malleet, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for tht 

Southern District of New York. 




aijt ftssoii of life ; 



OR, 



THl: YOUNG ODD-FELLOW'S DREAM. 



The lengthening shadows creepuig o'ei' the grassy phxin, 
And slanting sunbeams breaking from behind the hills, 
With steady march and less obtrusive glare, 
Tell us the day is drawing to a close: 
The merry sunlight dancing o'er the flowery vale, 
Sporting with the shadows 'neath the waving trees. 
Reluctant seems to leave the scenes it bathed in light. 
And wreathed in smiles, or say to earth, "Good-night," 

All nature seemed preparing for a sweet repose, 

Tired of the sun's fierce glare, and woos the coming night. 

That pressed the portals of the shadowy east, 



4 , THE LESSON OF LIFE ; OR, 

Impatient of the sunlight's lengthened stay ; 

Her children all wei-e hushed and still, save where the 

feathery spray 
Nodded and waved a welcome to the passing breeze, 
That gently fanned the fainting, drooping flowers, 
Telling of the coming dew, and twilight hours. 

Pleased with the pending, welcome, beauteous change, 

On nature's beaming face there seemed to rest a smile, 

That wooed her weary children all to sleep. 

To wait the coming of the promised morn : 

It seemed as if an all-pervading, soothing dream 

Of peace had lulled, at length, the weary earth to rest ; 

A dream so sweet, no storm may dare intrude. 

To mar its rich, imposing solitude. 

Still sinking deeper in the glowing west, 
The sun, at length, has set behind yon hill; 
The gold-capped clouds show for awhile his course. 
Then, fading sombre all, curtain up the scene. 
And now sweet twilight plumes her shadowy wings, 
^'^reading along the plain to herald in the night, 
And banish from the west each lingering ray, 
That hangs upon the rear of parting day. 

At which the timid stars grew bold, and, one by one, 
Peeped down upon the quiet, sleeping earth, 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 

Seeking some placid lake, or gentle stream. 

On which to mirror all the beauteous sight. 

Now slowly breaking on the soul-enraptured gaze, 

The eastern hill tops, fringed with silver, rise to view; 

The scene still brightens, and, sweetly smiling, soon 

Shall rise the glorious harvest moon. 

Tlien rose the majestic orb of night to bless the scene. 
Shedding a mellow radiance o'er the sleeping plain; 
Abashed, the stars subdue their glimmering light, 
And silent homage pay to night's fair queen. 
That, steady mounting upward to the ether blue, 
Reaches at length her star-enamelled throne. 
Waking to beauty all the glittering streams, 
Fretted with silver from her radiant beams. 

Far off in distant vale the night bird woos his mate, 
And pours his love song on the calm, still air ; 
While echo, starting from her distant lair, 
With mimic laughter mocks his tones from every hill : 
Sad silence wakes to life, beauty trips along the vale. 
Waving her magic wand o'er all the scene ; 
While zephyrs seek the flower-enamelled plain, 
Gently whispering, " Night has come again." 

At which the sleeping flowers ope their dazzled eyes, 
And spread their petals wide to catch the evening dew. 



6 THE LESSON OF LIFE ; OR, 

That kisses their sun-parched lips, washing all away 
The stains and dust of day their beauty marred ; 
Refreshing, blessing all, it hangs each feathery spray. 
And blade of grass, with jewels pure and bright. 
On which the sun might throw his earliest, sweetest ray. 
And bless its beauty, ere 'twas kissed away. 

Above, below, around, 'twas peace and beauty all. 
I gazed with rapture on the soid-enchanting scene. 
Seeming to leave behind the plodding cares of earth, 
For nature's quiet beauty lulled them all to rest; 
And on my 'raptured mind its gentle influence fell. 
Soothing the heart to gladness, greeting the new-found joy 
As, softly seated on a mossy covered stone, 
Deligbted thus I mused — I M*as alone, alone. 

I thought how like a well-spent Christian life 

The day I just had witnessed passed in peace away ; 

Where every hour was glorious from the rising morn, 

'Twas still more gorgeous at the evening's close. 

How full of glory is the setting summer sun ! 

That sinks in peaceful beauty 'neath the western hills ; 

While radiant, hopeful joy still hovers o'er the scene. 

And memory lingers sweetly on his parting beam. 

Thus is the Christian's life, when virtue's steady beam 
Illumes the path he treads through life's brief day ; 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 7 

Perpetual glory round his pathway shining streams, 
Diffusing light and joy on all around : 

And when, in well-spent years, he sees life's evening close. 
Fond memory cheers his exit with consoling thought; 
With retrospective eye he sees life's journey done, 
And dies as full of glory, as sets the summer sun. 

There is another life, whose symbol is the wintry day. 
Where storm and strife engage each passing hour ; 
And, as the closing scene drear night shall usher in, 
We shrink to think npon its cheerless gloom. 
A life all illy spent is worse than thrown away. 
And at its close no ray of joy illumes the scene ; 
A hopeless death, where memory's roses never bloom, 
To shed a cheerful halo round the tomb. 

Yet none less surely does the eternal day. 
That follows death, the self-same scene again restore ; 
Whether the stony heart was cold as winter's snow. 
Or virtue's shining light made summer there : 
Just as the summer's sun, that sets of glory full, 
Or wintry night comes dreary, sad and dull, 
Point surely to a day more passing fair. 
Or tell us of a morn of dark despair. 

While thus I mused, sleep shed her poppies o'er my head, 
I seemed to stand within a city of the dead : 



8 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

The scene so fair had to a graveyard grown, 
The trees and bushes all, had turned to whitened stone. 
Far as the eye could reach the silent walks extend. 
Forward, behind, on either hand, they seemed to have no 

end ; 
Wide o'er the scene the moon's soft radiance shone, 
Kevealing, in the calm still night, the names upon each 

stone. 
There, side by side, far as the piercing eye could see. 
Were ranged the tiny graves of sleeping infancy ; 
Thence from the graves of those who fell so soon, 
To manhood's full-length grave, or costly tomb, 
They, row by row, still larger, longer grew. 
Sparkling in the moon's pale light, wet by the evening's 

dew. 
Thus in the quiet night, far as the eye could scan, 
I saw the last of earth, the narrow homes of man : 
They slept there, side by side, the rank grass grew be- 
tween. 
Yet not a living voice or form, save mine, was heard or 

seen. 
Still, as on gentle wing the wind would sighing pass. 
There seemed to come a voice from out the waving grass. 
That rustles 'gainst the tomb-stones grown so gray, 
In tones that whisper ever — thus men pass away. 
And as I sadly gazed on all the ruin there. 
It woke an echo in my heart that gently said — prepare. 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW S DREAM. 

Ah ! sad and truthful on my wondering sight, 

And listening ear, " Life's lesson" broke that night : 

And is this quiet, dismal scene, truly the last of earth? 

The end of all its woes, the end of all its mirth 1 

The end of all its hopes, the end of all its fears? 

Of all its joyful smiles, and joyless tears? 

Must all its honours, riches, pomp and toil, 

Be covered here beneath the grave's cold soil ? 

Must these be buried all ? this name, the only trace 

Upon the moss-grown stone that time will soon efface ? 

Alas ! can hope no solace bring, no saving balm unfold, 

That may be earned by toil, or bought by gold ? 

Must babe and sire before death's sceptre fall ? 

Can nothing satisfy his rule, but ruling all ? 

Must his proud realm, so dreary, silent, cold. 

The fairest, wisest, best of earth, at last enfold ? 

If this is sure to be the end of toil and strife. 

Of all our joys and tears, what use were life ? 

To sport like insects through its transient day. 

And in the night of death thus moulder to decay. 

Without one ray of hope to cheer the gloom. 

That lingers round the cold and silent tomb ! 

Let me, then, learn from what I here may see. 

Thou, grasping tyrant ! to prepare for thee ; 

Let me scan closely on each crumbling stone — 

Perchance on some a warning may be shown — 



10 THE LESSON OF LIFE ; OR, 

To tell how others may avoid the subtle snare 

That brought the tenant low, and teach me to beware ; 

Or others may some kindly counsel give, 

And teach (though dead) how others ought to live ; 

Which pleasant paths to tread, or shun with care, 

Where death has laid his life-entangling snare ; 

And thus his victims to the living show, 

Where to avoid his darts, and when, and how : 

So shall I guide my bark through life's brief day. 

And those who went before shall indicate my way. 

With this resolve, moving from where I stood, 

I through the dismal scene my way pursued ; 

The graves I leave behind seem rising to pursue. 

While ten times more in front rise up to meet my view. 

And as, with steady march, the panorama passed, 

I thought my weary feet would never reach the last. 

At length the pathway widened, anon it wider grew. 

And then a level plain broke on my view, 

Yet all surrounded by unnumbered graves, 

Like some green isle encompassed by the waves — 

Incessant beating on its rocky shore. 

And ever sighing, seem to crave for more. 

Still searching on, an object met my gaze. 

That glistened brightly in the moon's full rays — 

Of noble form, so grand, so white and pure, 

It seemed with magic power the effulgence to illure, 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 11 

That Streamed in lustre from the queen of night, 

Bathing its form in floods of silver light; 

So high in air its glowing apex shone, 

It seemed to pierce the bright celestial zone; 

And on its spire the stars their light throw down, 

Like diamonds sparkling in an azure crown; 

Bold were its outlines, yet so dazzling white. 

They seemed to mingle with the moon's pale light: 

All white, except six steps that upwards led, 

On which six difterent hues their colours shed. 

As if some mighty prism, hidden from the sight, 

Had separated thus the rays of light ; 

White, pink, blue, bright green and scarlet red. 

While on the last a purple ray was shed — 

All blended beauteous as the rainbow's hue. 

That bursts from out the storm upon the admiring view ; 

Then, on a platform broad, three marble pillars rise, 

Graceful, lofty, strong, they seem to reach the skies ; 

In golden letters traced, I read upon the three, 

On one was Faith, next Hope, the third was Charity ; 

And on the uniting frieze they bore so high above. 

Within three golden links, were Friendship, Truth and 

Love ; 
While on the towering arch, that these three pillars 

span. 
Was written, "Peace on earth, good will to man." 



12 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

Pleased with the cheering sight, ixnd anxious to see more, 

I mounted up the steps, and trod the marble floor ; 

Then, grown emboldened by thi; pleasing scene, 

I reached the massive door, and passed within, 

I paused awhile, then closed the door with fear. 

And thought I heard a voice say, " Who comes here ]" 

At length, my courage try ing to restore, 

I stamped three times upon the marble floor ; 

The sound seemed strangely echoing every where. 

And then I heard quite plainly, "Who comes there?" 

Rejoiced to hear a human voice, I quick turned round, 

To greet the autlior of the welcome sound; 

And while for him who spoke I sought in vain, 

I heard the self-same, deep-toned voice again, — 

"Who comes there?" A thousand echos lend 

Their voices, while I replied, " A friend !" 

More I essayed to speak, but then could not; 

I tried to turn and leave the enchanted spot. 

Again my fear o'er hope ascendance gains, 

I seemed to be encompassed all with chains : 

The light then vanished, not a single gleam 

liemained, dread darkness reigned supreme. 

Then, sullen echoing through the vaulted dome, 

In deepest, sternest tones, these accents come : 

" Man of many toils and throbbing pains ! 

Man in darkness and in fettering chains ! 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 13 

A mental darkness, deeper far than night, 
How sad ! how mournful is the piteous sight ! 
Yet is this blinded, cheerless, helpless lot 
The fate of millions, though they know it not ; 
Who, blinded and bound by error's chains. 
See naught through life but dismal woes and pains ; 
Who, if they would, the cheerful light might view, 
And yet are bound and blinded just like you. 
But, having entered in these silent halls. 
The fear that now thy blinded mind appalls, 
Is needless, though unbid you come alone. 
Here gentle Peace has reared her quiet throne, 
Far from the pride and vices of the world ; 
Here Discord's flag may never be unfurled, 
And here Life's teeming lesson you may learn. 
Be patient therefore, serious, time and firm, 
Store what you see and hear within your mind : 
Its solemn lesson you will often find, 
Sealed close within your faithful, honest breast. 
Shall sweetly lull all idle fears to rest." 
And then again upon the awful silence jarred, 
A noise within, sounding like bolt unbarred; 
And then another sound, like opening door. 
And still again, like footsteps on the floor. 
Quite close to where I stood they steady came. 
And all my anxious fears return again. 
2 



14 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OK, 

Again a deep, stern voice breaks on my ear, 

And hope again has banished half my fear. 

" Stranger," it said, " why hast thou dared to come. 

And stand beneath this sacred, mystic dome ] 

If thou art humbly seeking wisdom here, 

Thou art welcome here to come, and need not fear ; 

But if, with idle thought and curious eye, 

Into our mystic halls you seek to pry, 

Be undeceived ; within these echoing walls, 

The hidden powers, that now thy heart appalls. 

Harmless to him who wisdom truly seeks. 

On curious idlers certain vengeance wreaks ; 

On those who meekly seek her, smiling down. 

Wisdom receives with crushing, withering frown 

All those who, idly prying, seek her shrine — 

For wisdom's truth, and truth is all divine ! — 

Therefore, before within you farther go. 

Tell me, rash mortal man, what would st thou know V 

Thus I replied, tired of this fitful life, 

So thickly strewn with care, with sin and strife : 

" I through yon silent grave-yard roamed alone, 

And hither, seeking wisdom, dared to come; 

Hoping to find some soothing, healing balm. 

That all life's cares, and passion's storms could calm ; 

To bring contentment while I still have breath, 

And shield me from the poisoned shaft of death!" 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW'S DREAM. 15 

' 'Tis well! within this temple you may learn 

Pure truth from tainted error to discern ; 

And here, frail mortal man, if true, may see 

The shining way to immortality : 

Here all your various duties you may scan, 

First to your God, next self and fellow-man. 

Wisdom more pi-ecious is than purest gold, 

For wisdom's 'wealth cannot be bought or sold; 

Though sometimes found, it never yet was bought. 

But must with zealous, patient care be sought. 

Yet open wide her generous hands she spreads, 

On all, who truly scclv her, light she sheds — 

A light, before which error flies aM'ay, 

And only ends in never-ending day. 

How oft for transient bubbles, light as air, 

Man seeks and toils with anxious thought and care ! 

While wisdom oft invites and woos in vain, 

Man idly hears, yet quickly turns again. 

Shutting his eyes 'gainst wisdom's proffered light. 

He gropes his dismal way through blackest night — 

Giving no heed to wisdom's gentle voice, 

That bids the hungry, thirsty soul rejoice. 

Be wiser thou, and lend thy grateful ear. 

Here meekly tread her courts, yet void of fear; 

Be serious, firm, be patient, honest, true, 

And all her priceless lessons you shall view." 



16 THE LESSOiSr OF LIFE; OR, 

And now the footsteps come to where I stand, 

And on my trembUng breast I felt a hand ; . 

And while I scarcely breathed or stii-red, 

Attentive all, these words I plainly heard : 

"Man, disenthralled from passion's baneful sway, 

Behold again the cheerful light of day ! 

Throw off the slavish chains of fear, and see. 

Again restored to light and liberty ; 

The first great lesson human minds should learn. 

Is useful truth from error to discern." 

And then, upon my wondering, new-found sight, 

Fell such a brilliant, dazzling flood of light, 

That for awhile, I, trembling, saw no more. 

Than in the blinding darkness just before. 

At length, accustomed to the sudden change, 

Around the spacious hall my eyes I range ; 

Till, startled, on the noble form they fell. 

Who just before had spoke, I knew full well: 

Austere, yet calm his mien, his noble brow 

Was fringed with hair white as the drifted snow. 

That on his ample shoulders heaping furls, 

In many flowing locks, and graceful curls. 

And mingling with his beard, so long and white. 

Shining like silver in the brilliant light. 

All but his eyes betoken well-spent age. 

His noble, thoughtful visage showed the sage ; 



THE YOUXG odd-fellow's DREAM. 17 

For, broad upon his wrinkled, furrowed face, 
Deep-marked, serious thought had left its trace; 
Yet from his eyes of clearest, deepest blue. 
Bright glistening, came a light that pierced me through. 
In graceful, rich, yet simple garb arrayed, 
A compact, manly, well-knit form displayed ; 
That, did the wrinkled brow not tell the truth. 
Would indicate the pride and strength of youth — 
So noble, graceful did his form appear. 
Armed with his ponderous, glittering spear. 
" Welcome, stranger ! I'm warden here," he said, 
" And some may call me guardian of the dead ; 
Yet to the living thus you see I come. 
To do the honours of our silent home ; 
Of which, in truth, it aptly may be said, 
This is indeed the city of the dead. 
Death levels all, yet some great minds there be, 
Who gifted are with immortality ; 
O'er whom Death's mighty sceptre holds no sway — 
They never die, they only pass away. 
For while they are dead, it may be said they live, 
And to the world do still an influence give ; 
For, in their shining track through life, they leave 
Words immortal, deeds that ever breathe; 
And here, surrounded by the common throng, 
Who sleep in death, unhonoured and unsung ; 
2* 



18 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

Unnumbered as the ocean's myriad waves, 

O'er whom no wreath of glorious laurel waves. 

All these within this hall you now may view, 

The best of earth, the noble, God-like few ; 

Who, till the fitful lamp of time shall wane, 

Shall dwell secure within the courts of fame. 

Come, follow me, and let your mind and ear 

Attentive be to all you see and hear ; 

All whom you see beneath fame's ample dome. 

First meekly through these halls of truth have come ; 

For none the courts of fame or honour know. 

Unless they first the pledge of truth can show ; 

And fame to man no honours can impart, 

If virtue dwell not first within the heart. 

These three courts first all those must often tread. 

Who wear fame's glorious wreath upon their head; 

Like us, the courts through which we just now came, 

Brought them to this, the inner court of fame ; 

Yet ere you view the noble, grand array. 

Here on the threshold pause, and, listening, stay. 

To hear the song e'en now addressed to you, 

By minstrel forms as yet you may not view." 

And then such wondrous, rich, deep music came, 

Sweet, thrilling airs from out the harp of fame. 

Softly as the rapturous tones prolong. 

Mysterious voices sing to me this song: 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 19 

Stranger, you've naught to fear, 
Peace sways the sceptre here — 

No cares annoy ; 
Here all the great shall meet, 
Here end their cares hi sleep, 
Till each reward shall reap 

In endless joy. 

Stranger, amid a band 

Of noble names you stand, 

Firm, tried and true ; 
Men, while on earth they stayed, 
Met error undismayed ; 
Now dead, in honour's robes arrayed. 

Here meet your view. 

Here the patriot, hero, sage. 
Noble men of every age, 

Before you stand ; 
Death may meaner names destroy, 
But these that meet your eye. 
Made immortal, never die — 

A noble band. 

Sure mortal tongue in vain might try to tell. 
How sweetly on my ear its accents fell; 



20 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

And as the swelling strains in power increase, 

My thoughts, entranced from fear, were hushed to peace. 

The music ceased, and, with the spear he bore. 

My guide then pointed to the open door. 

The echo, scarce subsiding, died away. 

Ere we looked in upon the grand array : 

Vast was the hall, and from the spacious dome 

1 saw the glorious sunlight streaming come, 

Flooding the room with golden-tinted light, 

And resting on the statues pure and white ; 

Showing the chisel's slightest, faintest trace, 

And lighting up each noble, God-lilce face 

With such a mellow, bright and ruddy glare, 

The features beamed and glistened everywhere. 

And as the glorious light of day came down. 

Each statue seemed to wear a golden crown ; 

And, with expressive gesture, all its own, 

Looked out transparent from the stone. 

The hall was round, and thus the ruddy glare 

Was bright and glorious, shining everywhere ; 

And as each statue's face was inwards bent, 

The light on each direct and pure was sent; 

And, ranged around, they all appeared to be 

Looking intently curious full on me. 

From pedestals of equal form and size, 

Of purest marble did their forms arise. 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 21 

Yet not a word was written on the stone, 

To tell what land or name the man might own ; 

It simply told the deeds or virtues there, 

For which in life they celebrated were ; 

To show the minds of wondering men 

Not who they were, but what their lives had been. 

Just in the centre of this spacious hall 

Was placed a group, majestically tall. 

Upon a platform broadest at the base, 

On which each figure had appropriate place. 

And here the farmer, toiling, tilled the ground, 

Or patient spinner turned her wheel around; 

There the mailed hero waived on high his sword. 

To spur men onward by his look and word ; 

There great statesman thoughtful seemed to be, 

Guiding with skill the nation's destiny ; 

And there the zealous preacher seemed alway 

Upward to hold his hands to heaven, and pray ; 

Here the labourer plied his sweaty toil. 

To cut the wood, or delve the yielding soil ; 

And there, with ensign proudly held aloft, 

The sailor seems at waves and storms to scoff; 

While, with his scroll and pen within his hands. 

Beside him close a poet dreaming stands. 

Intently gazing on the heavenly spheres, 

A grave, astute astronomer appears. 



22 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OK, 

There the artists ply their wondrous skill, 

In paint or stone, to suit their whim or will ; 

And from the canvas, or the stubborn stone, 

Work out some new creation of their own. 

Mechanics, armed with plumb, and rule, and square, 

Compasses, level and gauge, are standing there. 

All patient toiling for the common good, 

Working in metal, stone, or softer wood. 

While standing there the merchant views the fleet, 

That brings earth's distant riches to his feet; 

And thus about the base are ranged around. 

All trades that on the teeming earth are found ; 

Science and art the pleasing forms increase, 

To swell the triumphs of prolific Peace, 

Who sits aloft upon her marble throne. 

Higher than all, and yet not all alone ; 

For close beside her Wisdom calmly stands, 

And Truth, who holds a mirror in her liands ; 

And on the various parts that intervene. 

Faith, Hope, and gentle Charity are seen. 

See Plenty there, 'mid fruits of every soil, 

Seems gracious smiling on the sons of toil. 

Benevolence opes her generous, wide-spread hand, 

As if on all rich blessings to command ; 

While all the virtues, standing grouped around. 

Seem springing up from out the teeming ground. 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 23 

Full on the group the sunlight shining streams, 

Tinting with beauty from his golden beams. 

While gazing on this noble, beauteous sight, 

That filled my mind and heart with pure delight. 

Wondering to see how the sunlight came. 

Shining at night, within the court of fame. 

This saw my guide, and, pointing to the light. 

He said, " Fame's day is never marred by night ;" 

And, turning to the group, he then began 

To tell me of the various deeds of man. 

Thus said the sage, "You here may view 

What man in peaceful toil may do ; 

Where idlers mix not in the scene. 

Harsh discord's flag is seldom seen ; 

For joy and love must still increase, 

Where all pursue the arts of peace. 

Evil is banished from the throng — 

Foul progenitor of every wrong ; 

Crime, hatred, and cruel violence, 

All, all are driven far from hence. 

This scene, stranger, if understood, 

Shows universal brotherhood ; 

Where each is patient, generous, kind, 

With hearty will, of hand and mind, 

All labouring for the common good, 

Makes universal brotherhood. 



24 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

And thus, emblazoned round this hall, 

On any statue, great or small, 

No nation's ensign you may see. 

To tell their kindred unto thee ; 

For those who stand within this hall 

Belong to no one land, but all. 

They are benefactors of their race, 

Honouring, 'tis true, their native place; 

Yet all who form this noble throng. 

To one great family belong. 

God's sunshine smiles not on one place, 

But blesses all the human race ; 

The eternal God, who reigns above, 

Still blesses with a father's love 

All He hath made, and thus should man 

Learn kindness to his fellow man. 

To one great source all owe their birth, 

There is but one nation — that the earth. 

None are so poor that God disdains. 

And none so rich that heaven he gains. 

And thus within this hall you see 

No sign of earthly royalty ; 

For kings of earth are poorer far, 

Than poorest sons of genius are. 

Test them by truth, and you will find 

That man's best birth-right is the mind; 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DKEAM. 25 

Tlie pomp of kings must pass away, 

A royal corpse is common clay. 

But those who kneel at wisdom's shrine, 

Are gifted with a life divine ; 

And when the kings have passed away, 

Shall live in realms of endless day. 

The kingly honors earth can give 

Must die, but genius ever lives. 

Thus all who from the world have come, 

To stand beneath fame's ample dome. 

No earthly riches hither bring. 

And none you see that was a king. 

Fame's sons are all of royal birth, 

Though from the poorest of the earth. 

But come, behold the noble band ! 

Look well on this one where you stand. 

On him, whose form, you look upon. 
All the virtues were combined in one; 
This is Columbia's honoured son. 
Patriot and sage, George Washington." 

Passed we to the next, as with his spear 
He waved me on, and said — " Draw near." 

Long as freedom's songs shall swell, 
Long as tyrants dread her spell, 
3 



26 THE LESSON OF LIFE ; OE, 

Deep in the hearts of men shall dwell 
The deeds of valiant William Tell. 

"Virtue," he said, "may differ far, 
Oft seen in peace, sometimes in war; 
Still in its different forms, you'll find. 
All are generous, brave and kind : 
Thus, while patriots have a name. 
Benevolence also earns a fame. 

Long as hope's bright star shall shine. 
Or virtue shed her light divine, 
The poor, oppressed, and sick shall join — 
Their praises, Howard, shall be thine." 

Pointing again the spear he bore, 
To where the next base pressed the floor, 
He said, "You see no king was he, 
Yet crowned- with immortality. 

Long as the oppressed are sighing to be freed, 
Long as patriot hearts shall bleed, 
On freedom's glittering flag you'll read. 
The name of Arnold Winkelread. 

And here stands Henry, eloquent and bold, 
Who warmed men's timid hearts of old : 



THE YOUNG OUD-FELLOW'S DREAM. 27 

Till freedom's heart is still and cold, 
His fame and glory shall be told. 

He who now thy thoughts engage, 
Was neither patriot, king, nor sage ; 
Yet still to men he sweetly sung. 
In words of truth, from poet's tongue; 

Though on his eye-balls vainly sunlight fell, 
Poesy wreathed him with her magic spell. 
And gave to Milton power to tell 
The wondrous scenes of heaven and hell. 

And there, with thoughtful mien, and eye 

Peering upward to the sky — 

'Tis Galileo you descry, 

A nolile name that ne'er can die. 

Look well upon this noble face, 
Upon its features you may trace 
A will no danger could displace, 
To preach the truth to all his race. 

Mark well yon form, so noble, grand, 
Holding a globe within his hand : 
Thus did Columbus often stand. 
And dream about the western land. 



THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

This is the bard that's all divine, 
Whose words like sparks of genius shine : 
Shakespeare, immortal fame is thine, 
Time cannot mar a single line. 

Yon martyr fell within the fire. 
Lighted by error's wrathful ire ; 
Yet still is told to son T)y sire 
His name and deeds, they ne'er exjiire. 

And on this block we just have met. 
Stands one that men can ne'er forget; 
For freedom's sons are shouting yet. 
The name of generous Lafayette, 

Here stands Davy with his safety-lamp. 

Protecting miners from the deadly damp; 

There stands he who formed the farmer's plough. 

To save the sweat upon the tiller's brow ; 

And there stands one who mortal man has taught, 

The art by which the lightning first was caught; 

And near him stands another proud form still. 

Who trained it first to do man's will ! 

And here stands one who printing type first made, 

And fought for truth undaunted or dismayed; 

While close beside Him, stands, as you may guess, 

He who^ first formed the potent printing-press; 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW's DREAM. 29 

And there, just where the sunbeams shining stream, 
You see the man who first invented steam — 
He first built the weaver's loom and beam, 
He first moved a shi^D by mighty steam : 
Thus every one whose statue here you scan, 
Has brought some useful boon to fi?,llow inan, 
Has earned by toil a noble rank and name. 
And honest station in this hall of fame ; 
And if their honours you would wish to share. 
You must be patient, firm to do and dare — 
Begin with simple truth, and ne'er forget. 
That man must, toiling, think and labour yet ; 
And as the threshold then you will have passed, 
Long as life, and thought, or strength shall last, 
Keep toiling on, and you shall surely gain 
A title deed to well-earned, honest fame. 
Be not too eager for the gilded prize, 
' Act well your part, there all the honour lies.' 
In heaven all stars with light shine not the same. 
And men may differ widely in their fame; 
Yet all who strive, with steady nerve or mind, 
To do their best, at last reward shall find ; 
Your various duties do as best you can. 
To God, yourself, and to your fellow man. 
And now, to bring you back from whence you came, 
We through these halls retrace our steps again : 
3* 



30 THE LESSON OF LIFE ; OR, 

What here you've heard, or seen, and understood, 

Has taught you what is noble, great, and good ; 

But evil has its useful lesson, too, 

And all the dismal scenes you first passed through 

As we repass I will with care explain. 

And thus more useful knowledge you will gain, 

Until we reach the lonely spot and stone 

Whereon you sat and mused, when all alone. 

Yet ere we pass those steps whose colours blend. 

Review the scene, and deep attention lend ; 

Of some whose graves lie in the moonlight there, 

This only can be said, now dead, that once they were. 

Of some it may be said, who food the worms are giving, 

As surely they are dead, yet none less surely living: 

These lessons both combined I'll teach to thee. 

Attend to wisdom's voice ! 'twill guide thy destiny. 

Compare the longest life with immortality, 

Death teaches how to live, life's lesson is to die ; 

For some who seek life's joys, e'en to their latest breath. 

In seeking how to live, live but to hasten death : 

This much may mortals know before it is too late, 

And guide their feet from much that seems their fate ; 

Much more within the book of fate is sealed. 

Hidden as yet, and may not be revealed. 

Thus these six steps on which jon gaze and tread, 

Whereon such different hues are spread, 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW'S DREAM. 31 

All have a meaning as yet you may not view; 

But. if you seek, with purpose firm and true, 

In course of time still firmly pressing on, 

Each of their useful lessons you may con ; 

For those who all the hook of truth would know, 

Must wait with patience, learning as they go: 

Thus all the human forms that swell yon scene. 

Have passed through life's brief, fitful dream ; 

Each of them once was born as you were born, 

And through their toilsome journey hurried on ; 

Each for awhile felt grief or pleasure's sway. 

And wielded power, ere death took life away : 

Yet now, alas ! their cold and mouldering forms 

Are naught but food for creeping, grave-yard worms ; 

The warm, kind hearts that for their brothers yearned. 

Or others cold that all their fellows spurned. 

Have passed away, as you and all men must. 

And each at last, hath joined its kindred dust; 

While all that now remains are what you see, 

Memorials sad, of man's mortality ; 

And as they, mouldering, sleep there side by side, 

Should it not humble human power and pride? 

Should it not from earth's cold, blood-stained sod 

Upwards pomt, and lift the soul to God ? 

In grateful duty first to Him, and then. 

Next to itself and all its fellow men 1 



32 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

And as all living, thus must surely be, 

Should it not 'waken tenderest sympathy ? 

My friend, this cheerless fate of all you see. 

Is what you, too, at last, must surely be ; 

And as those graves that, wide spread, dot the green, 

Show you the deadly, ill effects of sin, 

Chase evil, therefore, from your own proud heart, 

Lest of the sin you too shall bear a part. 

The bane of life, fountain of every wrong, 

To this first primal source all crimes belong ; 

Its fearful influences o'er the mind 

Shall still afflict and curse all human kind 

Alike, in every land and every clime. 

Until the coming of that glorious, peaceful time, 

Still hidden in the far off, misty gloom 

Of time's mysterious, dark and pregnant womb, 

When gentle peace shall reign upon her throne, 

And all mankind her righteous sway shall own : 

And as one Father gave to all their birth, 

So one great law shall bind the sons of earth. 

The universal law, then understood, 

Shall be the law of human brothei-hood." 

My guide then moved from where I listening stood, 

And down the first six steps his way pursued; 

Now passing on, we reached the level plain, 

And soon were in the grave-yard's walks again. 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW S DREAM. 

" Here," said my guide, " full many beings rot, 

Unknown, nnhonoured, and by all forgot. 

Strange man ! 'twere madness ere to think they could. 

For, living all for self, they did no good; 

They spoke no single word, or wrote a line, 

To save them from the crushing hand of time ; 

But trifled all their precious time away, 

And now, forgotfen, moulder to decay. 

Ah ! sad as winter is the cheerless gloom, 

Where memory's roses never sweetly bloom ; 

For not one ray of smiling hope is there, 

To keep the aching heart from black despair. 

And thus around this costly tomb, 
Lingers a sad and dismal gloom ; 
No broken blade of grass is seen. 
To tell where friendly feet have been ; 
The tenant was rich, yet on his bier, 
No one dropped aftection's tear. 
His life thus briefly may be told. 
He never loved a thing but gold ; 
His heart as cold and hard had grown, 
Unfeeling as this piece of stone •, 
The widow's sighs, or orphan's tears, 
Unheeded fell upon his ears ; 



34 THE LESSON OF LIFE ; OE, 

Through all his life he lived, and fell, 
As if there were no heaven or hell ; 
And buried here, with pomp and pride. 
Was half forgotten ere he died. 

Not such the simple grave close by. 

Where wreathes of wild flowers withering lie 

He who sleeps there was poor and old, 

He owned no lands, possessed no gold; 

Yet oft the village children come. 

To strew fresh flowers upon his tomb; 

His kindly words they ne'er forget, 

And often grateful name him yet; 

And thus aftection's tributes bring, 

For round their hearts his words still cling. 

'Tis not the value of the gift that tells 

How feelingly the bosom swells ; 

And gold or gems cannot impart . 

Sympathy to sorrowing heart; 

A kindly word, a friendly smile, 

Can often misery beguile ; 

Those that have nothing still may kneel 

At pity's shrine to give, and say they feel. 

Those three links mark the grave of one, 
Who, born beneath a southern sun. 



THE YOUNG ODD-FELLOW S DEEAM. 35 

Far from his home where roses bloom, 
Here sleeps within this silent tomb; 
Yet dying, romid his bedside stand, 
True brethren of a mystic band. 
Whose zealous care did all they could. 
To soothe his dying hours with good. 
Twined in the links this sentence ran, 
' Our brother loved his fellow man !' " 
And as my guide the sentence read, 
Turning around, he quickly said: 
"Not one within the hall of fame 
Hath nobler title for a name; 
For those who love their fellows can, 
Are loved of God as well as man." 
Pitying the stranger's hapless lot, 
We turned, and left that hallowed spot, 

Next came we to a tiny bed. 
Without a stone to mark its head; 
But sweetly at its foot there grew 
A moss rose, sparkling in the dew. 
That o'er the grave its branches spread, 
Like angels smiling o'er the dead. 
"Here," said my guide, "a widow gave 
Her only infant to the grave; 



36 THE LESSON OF LIFE; OR, 

Too poor to mark it with a stone, 
This rose her mother's love has shown; 
And oft upon its leaves appears, 
At twilight's close, a mother's tears ; 
Gems of the heart, that, throbbing yet, 
Beat for the babe she'll ne'er forget. 
Yon costly tomb cannot compare 
With this sweet tribute, rich and fair : 
All summer long its roses bloom, 
And shed their fragrance o'er the tomb ; 
And when the winter's storms are o'er, 
Its fragrance spring's light beams restore- 
Filling the widow's heart with joy, 
Hoping again to see her boy 
In that bright land, where, far away, 
Husband and babe her coming stay. 
Strong as a magnet from above, 
Appealing to a mother's love. 

How different is the victim's lot, 
Who sleeps within yon silent spot, 
That, like a little lake is seen, 
Covered o'er with grass so green ; 
Born in the lap of luxury, 
He died in squalid misery; 
He gambled, drank, and lived so fast, 
That even his wealth could not last. 



THE YOU^'U OL)L)-FELLOW'S DKEAM. o7 

While rich, lie luuked ou all with seorn, 
Grown poor himself, sick and forlorn, 
The world hurled back the bitter hate, 
And then he learned, but, ah ! too late. 
That he who .sympathy would know, 
Himself some sympathy must show ; 
And thus his narrow turf-roofed home 
Is left unmarked, without a stone. 
The living pass his grave with fear, 
And none their dead will bury near ; 
The scorn, that kept him from the world, 
Around him still its bane has furled, 
And fathers tell liis fate, to show 
Their sons how sin will sink men low. 

Thus, all around this ample plain. 

Where thousands of human forms are lain, 

Each of their histories might be 

A useful lesson inito thee. 

The rich, the poor, the high, the low. 

All, all, at last, this fate must know ; 

And if, when o'er their silent grave. 

The grass its slender blades shall wave. 

They hope to have the living pay 

Homage to those M'ho pass away, 

Life is the time to sow the seed. 

By kindly thought, a)id word, and deed ; 
4 



'SS THE LESSON OF LIFE; OE, 

That, springing up when life is past, 
A rich, full harvest yields at last. 
Kind actions never can decay, 
Though those who do them pass away ; 
Butj planted deep in memory's soil, 
Though years have intervened meanwhile. 
Her promise she will surely keep, 
That what you sow you sure shall reap. 

Man in this world can shape his fate, 
The future to anticipate ; 
Thus, where delirium's torturing hand 
Has drawn around a cruel band. 
Each hideous glare, and horrid yell, 
Echoing all the tones of hell, 
Intemperance does its work so well. 
Its victims' future lot to tell — 
Her thoughtless votaries tortured rave, 
To view their life beyond the grave. 

And when the Christian ends this life, 
Tired of all its cares and strife. 
Arranged around a shining band 
Of angels near his bedside stand. 
To cheer his dying hours with love. 
To point his raptured soul above ; 



TUE YOUNG ODD-FKLLOW'S DKEAM. 39 

And ere death strikes, he hoars them sing 
Their sweet hosannas to their King ; 
And when death's welcome pang is o'er, 
Tlie eternal day their songs restore: 
On wings of faith he joins the throng, 
And tunes his harp to sing their song. 
Tlius shall eternity restore 
The self-same scenes they saw before, 
And from the seeds on earth they sow, 
They reap the fruits of bliss or woe." 

While speaking thus, we reached the stone 

Whereon I sat and mused when all alone; 

" Here," said my guide, " our journey's at an end. 

And yet, one moment more attention lend; 

Preserve this scroll, within it you will find 

Much to employ a reflective mind; 

Therein your duties you may scan. 

To God, yourself, and fellow man ; 

One, treasured up within your heart, 

The other striving to impart; 

Safely through life your bark shall sail. 

And over death at last prevail : 

More to you now I may not tell. 

That you have seen, ' Remember well !' " 



-10 



THE LESSON OF LIFE. 



One motto ou the scroll thus rnii, 
Faith and hope in God, charity to man. 

Faith in God, wlio rules on high, 
Ho]3e in immortality ; 
Charity, that where'er we be, 
We feel the claims of sympathy. 

To the next verse my eyes quick rove. 
O'er which was Friendship, Truth, and Love, 

Frieiidship, that cheers 'mid sorrow's gloom, 

Love enduring to the tomlj ; 

Truth, its influence t<> impart. 

And stamp each virtue on the heart. 

Turning, to thank my friendly guide, 
I found he'd vanished from my side; 
Casting my eyes o'er all the plain, 
I sought him, but I sought in vain ; 
I called aloud, and as I spoke 
The effort roused me, and I woke : 
The moonbeams o'er the landscape stream. 
And then I found 'twas but — a Dream. 



THE END. 










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